1 answer
Megan
Student
Las Vegas, Nevada
1
Question
Updated
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How can I actively seek out and make the most of mentorship opportunities during midwifery school to support my growth and confidence as a future provider?
I am attending midwifery school this summer 2025 and I would love to seek out mentorship but am not sure how to network correctly.
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1 answer
Susana Abena Appiah
MIDWIFE
67
Answers
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Updated
Susana Abena’s Answer
Hello Megan, thanks for you question
First of all, congratulations on starting midwifery school this summer! Mentorship can truly make a huge difference in your journey. This is how you can actively seek and make the most of those opportunities, even if you’re new to networking:
1. Begin with Your School’s Network
Reach out to faculty members early—introduce yourself, share your passion for midwifery, and express your desire to grow under mentorship.
Ask if your program offers a formal mentorship program (some schools pair students with practicing midwives).
Clinical instructors are also great informal mentors—be proactive and show eagerness to learn during your rotations.
2. Introduce Yourself with Purpose
When you meet someone who inspires you, say something like:
“Hi, I’m Megan, a new midwifery student. I really admire your work in [area]. Would you be open to chatting sometime about your path and any advice you might have for someone just starting out?”
It doesn’t have to be perfect—just sincere!
3. Join Professional Communities
Look into:
ACNM (American College of Nurse-Midwives) – student membership includes access to mentorship resources and networking events.
Facebook groups like Student Midwives Support Network, Midwives of Color, or Midwifery Mentoring Circles.
State or regional midwifery associations (Nevada-based or West Coast chapters).
Attend conferences, webinars, and workshops, even virtually—they’re goldmines for connections.
4. Be Consistent but Respectful
Once you find a mentor:
Schedule regular check-ins (monthly or quarterly) and come with specific questions or updates.
Be mindful of their time—show appreciation and always follow through if they give you tasks or advice.
5. Seek Diverse Mentors
One mentor might guide you clinically, another emotionally, another professionally. That’s okay!
Consider mentors who’ve worked in underserved areas, birth centers, hospitals, or even research/education—get a full view of what midwifery can be.
6. Keep a “Mentorship Journal”
Document lessons, advice, and reflections from your mentor(s). This helps you stay intentional, track your growth, and build your confidence as a future provider.
Note: If you ever feel shy reaching out, just remember: most midwives love nurturing the next generation. You’re not bothering them—you’re honoring their journey by asking to learn from it.
First of all, congratulations on starting midwifery school this summer! Mentorship can truly make a huge difference in your journey. This is how you can actively seek and make the most of those opportunities, even if you’re new to networking:
1. Begin with Your School’s Network
Reach out to faculty members early—introduce yourself, share your passion for midwifery, and express your desire to grow under mentorship.
Ask if your program offers a formal mentorship program (some schools pair students with practicing midwives).
Clinical instructors are also great informal mentors—be proactive and show eagerness to learn during your rotations.
2. Introduce Yourself with Purpose
When you meet someone who inspires you, say something like:
“Hi, I’m Megan, a new midwifery student. I really admire your work in [area]. Would you be open to chatting sometime about your path and any advice you might have for someone just starting out?”
It doesn’t have to be perfect—just sincere!
3. Join Professional Communities
Look into:
ACNM (American College of Nurse-Midwives) – student membership includes access to mentorship resources and networking events.
Facebook groups like Student Midwives Support Network, Midwives of Color, or Midwifery Mentoring Circles.
State or regional midwifery associations (Nevada-based or West Coast chapters).
Attend conferences, webinars, and workshops, even virtually—they’re goldmines for connections.
4. Be Consistent but Respectful
Once you find a mentor:
Schedule regular check-ins (monthly or quarterly) and come with specific questions or updates.
Be mindful of their time—show appreciation and always follow through if they give you tasks or advice.
5. Seek Diverse Mentors
One mentor might guide you clinically, another emotionally, another professionally. That’s okay!
Consider mentors who’ve worked in underserved areas, birth centers, hospitals, or even research/education—get a full view of what midwifery can be.
6. Keep a “Mentorship Journal”
Document lessons, advice, and reflections from your mentor(s). This helps you stay intentional, track your growth, and build your confidence as a future provider.
Note: If you ever feel shy reaching out, just remember: most midwives love nurturing the next generation. You’re not bothering them—you’re honoring their journey by asking to learn from it.